Photo: Mason Brock ( Masebrock )Public domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Virginia Crownbeard Plant Care
Verbesina virginica L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Verbesina virginica, the white crownbeard, or frostweed is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the Southeastern United States, where it is found in calcareous soil, often in bottomland thickets and edges of woods.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Virginia Crownbeard?
Water Virginia Crownbeard every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Virginia Crownbeard Native To?
What Is the Virginia Crownbeard?
Virginia Crownbeard (Verbesina virginica) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Verbesina genus. Virginia Crownbeard is native to the Southeastern United States. Virginia Crownbeard is also known as White Crownbeard, Wingstem, Phaethusa laciniata.
Virginia Crownbeard displays a tall upright perennial growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Virginia Crownbeard produces small daisy-like yellow flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Virginia Crownbeard?
Verbesina virginica requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Virginia Crownbeard Need?
Virginia Crownbeard thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Virginia Crownbeard Prefer?
Verbesina virginica grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Virginia Crownbeard prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Virginia Crownbeard?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Virginia Crownbeard to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Virginia Crownbeard?
Feed Virginia Crownbeard every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Virginia Crownbeard?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Virginia Crownbeard?
Virginia Crownbeard can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.
Is the Virginia Crownbeard Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Virginia Crownbeard, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Virginia Crownbeard?
Virginia Crownbeard is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Virginia Crownbeard Need?
Virginia Crownbeard grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Virginia Crownbeard is native to the Southeastern United States. In cooler regions, grow Virginia Crownbeard as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Virginia Crownbeard is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Verbesina genus — compare its care with other Verbesina species on PlantoScan.
Verbesina is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Virginia Crownbeard thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Verbesina virginica L., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 901 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Virginia Crownbeard, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Mason Brock ( Masebrock ), Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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